'Weekend of Terror' Goes Unnoticed by Mainstream Media

The IDF Website reported a "significant increase" in terrorist activities in Judea and Samaria (Yehuda and Shomron, or Yesha). The terror acts included the use of explosive devices and repeated efforts to attack security forces. However, Israeli press did not even cover most of these events, giving more attention to the death of an Arab rioter who had hurled rocks at IDF soldiers.

The terror wave may be a fluke, or a sign that the Islamist upsurge in the Middle East is causing an escalation in terror in Judea and Samaria.

On Friday, the military website says, an explosive was detonated along the security fence north of Modiin. There were no casualties and no significant damage. It was later discovered that the explosion resulted from a gas tank hidden inside a discarded tire.

In addition, the site reports that two fire bombs at the Nitzanei Oz industrial area on Friday evening. As a result, a fire broke out at a factory. Israeli and Palestinian Authority (PA) firefighters worked together to extinguish the blaze and the event is currently under investigation.

Three firebombs were thrown at Border Police soldiers near Jerusalem. Three additional fire bombs were thrown at Route 443, which runs from Modiin to Jerusalem. No damage or injuries were reported and IDF soldiers combed the area.

Approximately 100 PA Arabs rioted near the community of Kedumim in Shomron Saturday, throwing rocks at security forces who responded with non-lethal riot dispersal means. The illegal and violent riot was successfully dispersed.

Simultaneously, approximately 25 PA Arabs rioted near the Beitar Illit community. Security forces arrested two of the violent rioters and took them away for further investigation.

Overnight, IDF soldiers discovered an improvised explosive located near the Nitzanei Oz community. While security forces detonated the explosive, approximately 20 Arabs began rioting in the area.

Approximately 50 Arabs rioted north of Modiin and threw rocks at security forces who responded with non-lethal riot dispersal means. No damage or injuries were reported.